Hey guys! The buzz around a potential "I Am Legend 2" has been swirling for ages, and you know Reddit is always the place to find the hottest takes and insider info. So, let’s dive into what’s been happening, what the rumors are, and what the chances are of actually seeing Will Smith back in a sequel to the post-apocalyptic thriller that had us all on the edge of our seats.

The Original "I Am Legend" – A Quick Recap

Before we jump into the sequel talk, let's quickly revisit the magic of the original "I Am Legend." Released in 2007, the film stars Will Smith as Robert Neville, a U.S. Army virologist who is the last human in New York City (and possibly the world) after a measles virus, originally created to cure cancer, mutated and wiped out most of humanity, turning many into nocturnal, vampiric mutants known as Darkseekers. Neville spends his days searching for other survivors, experimenting to find a cure, and fighting off the Darkseekers. The film was a massive hit, grossing over $585 million worldwide, and it cemented Will Smith's status as a box-office draw while captivating audiences with its blend of action, horror, and emotional depth.

What made "I Am Legend" so compelling was not just the thrilling action sequences, but also the emotional journey of Neville. His isolation, his determination to find a cure, and his desperate hope for human connection resonated deeply with viewers. The visual depiction of a deserted New York City was hauntingly beautiful, and the Darkseekers were genuinely terrifying. The film explored themes of survival, loneliness, and the resilience of the human spirit, making it more than just a simple monster movie. It was a character study set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world, and Will Smith's performance was central to its success.

However, the original film also had its share of controversies, particularly regarding its ending. The theatrical release featured an ending where Neville sacrifices himself to save Anna and Ethan, giving them the cure to take to a survivor colony in Bethel, Vermont. This ending, while dramatic, was a departure from the Richard Matheson novel on which the film was based, where Neville realizes that he has become the legend to the infected, the boogeyman that they fear. An alternate ending, closer to the book, was also filmed and included on the DVD release, where Neville survives and leaves with Anna and Ethan to find the survivor colony. This divergence in endings has fueled debates among fans, with many preferring the darker, more thought-provoking alternate ending. The choice of ending also has significant implications for any potential sequels, as it determines Neville's fate and his availability to participate in future stories.

The "I Am Legend 2" Announcement: What We Know

So, here's the deal: "I Am Legend 2" is officially happening! Back in early 2022, Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan announced that they would be starring in and co-producing the sequel. This news sent the internet into a frenzy, with fans speculating about the plot, the characters, and how the sequel would connect to the original film. The involvement of Michael B. Jordan, a rising star in Hollywood, added even more excitement to the project. Details about the plot are still under wraps, but there are a few key things we know.

First off, the sequel will reportedly follow the alternate ending of the original film, where Robert Neville survives. This decision is crucial because it allows Will Smith to reprise his role and continue Neville's story. The alternate ending, which is closer to the novel's conclusion, provides a more nuanced and thought-provoking resolution to Neville's arc. By choosing this ending, the filmmakers can explore new themes and directions for the sequel, moving beyond the simple survival narrative of the first film. It also opens up possibilities for exploring the infected in more depth, perhaps even humanizing them in some way.

Secondly, Akiva Goldsman, who co-wrote the original film, is returning to write the screenplay for the sequel. This is a positive sign, as Goldsman's familiarity with the source material and the world of "I Am Legend" should help maintain the continuity and tone of the franchise. However, it also raises some concerns, as the original film's script was criticized for deviating from the novel in certain aspects. It remains to be seen how Goldsman will balance the need to stay true to the source material with the desire to create a compelling and original story for the sequel. The screenplay will likely need to address some of the unanswered questions from the first film, such as the origins of the virus and the extent of the global infection. It will also need to find a way to integrate Michael B. Jordan's character into the story in a meaningful way, without overshadowing Will Smith's role as Neville.

Reddit's Reaction and Theories

Reddit, as always, has been buzzing with theories and speculations about "I Am Legend 2." Here are some of the most popular ideas floating around:

• The Cure: Many Redditors are wondering if the sequel will focus on further developing the cure and finding a way to reverse the effects of the virus on a larger scale. Some theories suggest that Neville and Jordan's character might team up to create a more effective vaccine or even find a way to restore the infected to their human form. This could involve exploring new scientific breakthroughs or even delving into the origins of the virus itself.

• The Darkseekers' Society: Some Redditors are hoping that the sequel will delve deeper into the Darkseekers' society and explore their intelligence and social structure. There's a theory that the Darkseekers are evolving and developing a more organized civilization, which could pose a new threat to the remaining humans. This could lead to a conflict that goes beyond simple survival, exploring themes of co-existence and the nature of humanity.

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• Flashbacks: Given that the sequel is following the alternate ending, some Redditors believe that flashbacks could be used to fill in the gaps between the end of the first film and the beginning of the second. These flashbacks could explore Neville's experiences in the survivor colony, his interactions with other survivors, and his ongoing research into the virus. This could provide valuable context for the sequel's plot and deepen our understanding of Neville's character.

• Michael B. Jordan's Role: The biggest question mark is Michael B. Jordan's role. Some speculate that he could be another survivor, a scientist, or even a evolved Darkseeker with a unique perspective. The possibilities are endless, and Redditors have come up with some wild and creative theories about how Jordan's character will fit into the story. Some even suggest that he could be a descendant of one of the original infected, carrying a genetic immunity to the virus.

• Setting: While the first film was primarily set in New York City, some Redditors are hoping that the sequel will explore new locations and expand the world of "I Am Legend." This could involve traveling to other survivor colonies, exploring abandoned cities, or even venturing into the wilderness to find new resources and escape the infected. A change of scenery could add a fresh dynamic to the franchise and introduce new challenges for the characters.

Potential Challenges and Concerns

While the prospect of "I Am Legend 2" is exciting, there are also some potential challenges and concerns to consider:

• Living Up to the Original: The first film was a critical and commercial success, and the sequel will have to live up to high expectations. Fans will be expecting a thrilling story, compelling characters, and impressive visual effects. The filmmakers will need to strike a balance between honoring the legacy of the original film and creating something new and original.

• Avoiding Clichés: Post-apocalyptic stories have become increasingly common in recent years, and the sequel will need to avoid falling into tired tropes and clichés. The filmmakers will need to find a fresh angle and explore new themes to keep the story engaging and relevant.

• Explaining Neville's Survival: Since the sequel is following the alternate ending, the filmmakers will need to explain how Neville survived the events of the first film. This could involve flashbacks, new revelations about the virus, or even a bit of creative license. Whatever the explanation, it will need to be believable and consistent with the established lore of the franchise.

• Integrating Michael B. Jordan's Character: As mentioned earlier, integrating Michael B. Jordan's character into the story will be crucial. The filmmakers will need to find a way to make his character feel organic to the world of "I Am Legend" and give him a meaningful role to play. Simply adding him as a sidekick or a plot device would be a disservice to both the character and the actor.

Final Thoughts

"I Am Legend 2" is one of the most anticipated sequels in recent memory, and the buzz on Reddit and elsewhere is a testament to the enduring popularity of the original film. With Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan on board, and Akiva Goldsman returning to write the screenplay, the sequel has the potential to be something special. However, the filmmakers will need to overcome several challenges to live up to the high expectations of fans and create a worthy successor to the original. Only time will tell if they can pull it off, but one thing is for sure: the hype is real, and the world is watching.

So, what do you guys think? Are you excited about "I Am Legend 2"? What are your theories and predictions? Let's keep the conversation going!